Bentley Motors
Press release
www.bentleymedia.com
@bentleymotors
BENTLEY DRIVES PERFORMANCE OFF THE PISTE
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High-excitement, all-wheel driving around Gstaad with the Continental
GT, GTC and Flying Spur
Ski joring with world champion Franco Moro
Putting skis by zai through their paces on the slopes
See all the action at www.youtube.com/bentleymotors
(Crewe, 7 February, 2012) Bentley’s Continental range carved a trail along Switzerland’s
Alpine passes recently with a taste of four-wheel driving in the extreme conditions around
Gstaad. Deep in the stunning Saanenland region, with its 240km of ski slopes, guests put
their winter driving skills to the test in the state-of-the-art Continental GT, GTC and Flying
Spur. The all-wheel drive system ensured the safe yet dynamic performance, sports car
handling, style and practicality for which the three models are renowned even in the
harshest weather conditions.
Ski joring expert Franco Moro, world champion 16 times with 27 years experience, was on
hand to demonstrate this Alpine sport, which usually involves strapping on skis and being
pulled behind a horse. He notched up another first, this time around a track below the
Videmanette lift in Rougemont, on a pair of zai for Bentley skis, attached to the back of a
Continental GT. He was pulled along by a 567bhp (575PS) Continental GT with a 6-litre
W12 engine and four-wheel drive. His advice to first-timers: ‘Hold on tight!’
Bentley’s ski partner zai offered more exhilaration on the piste. With innovative
technology, durability and high performance at minimal weight the skis offer outstanding
manoeuvrability to complement the sheer responsiveness and handling abilities of Bentley’s
spirited Continental range.
ENDS
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Notes to editors
1.
Bentley Motors is the third largest R&D investor in the UK's automotive sector and the 18th
largest nationally. The company employs almost 4,000 people in Crewe which is home to all
its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production. The combination of fine
craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside
engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury vehicle
manufacturers such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its
best. Bentley exports over £500m worth of goods every year to established markets like the
US, as well as emerging markets such as China and South America.
2.
Bentley’s global sales for 2011 increased by 37% with 7,003 cars delivered. This growth was
led by the Chinese region (1876 cars sold) with mainland China (excl. Hong Kong and
Taiwan) up 104.17% (1664 cars). However, the Americas remains the biggest market for
Bentley with 2,021 cars delivered (up 32%) in 2011. All major markets were up with Europe
up by over a half, due mainly to high demand in Germany (up by nearly 90%). The UK
market proved to be more challenging, but still saw an increase of over five per cent. The
surge in sales was led by demand for the new Continental GT. Over one third of all Bentley
sales in 2011 were GTs with 2404 delivered. December 2011 was Bentley’s best month
since the recession and the second highest ever, boosted by the first deliveries of the new
soft-top Continental GTC. We have ambitious but realistic plans to continue this growth in
2012.
For further information about this press release please contact:
Michael Baumann – Communications Director
Michael.Baumann@Bentley.co.uk + 44 (0) 1270 535 189
Julia Marozzi – Head of Lifestyle Communications, Bentley Motors
Julia.Marozzi@Bentleyco.uk + 44 (0) 207 290 7811
www.zai.ch
www.gstaad.ch
For further information on Bentley please go to www.bentleymedia.com
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